Pelvic Ultrasound Specialist

In this article, we’ll delve into the basics of pelvic ultrasounds, including what they are, why they’re performed, and what to expect during the procedure.

For those seeking expert gynecological care in New York City, schedule an appointment with Maiden Lane Medical. With our dedicated team and state-of-the-art facilities, including a new walk-in clinic in Murray Hill, NY, we’re here to support your reproductive well-being. Take charge of your health—schedule your appointment with Maiden Lane Medical today!

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PAULINA T.

What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is a medical procedure used to examine the pelvic organs in both men and women. It’s a safe and painless imaging technique that helps doctors assess the health of various organs inside your pelvis.

During a pelvic ultrasound, sound waves are used to create images of the organs inside your pelvis. These sound waves bounce off the organs and tissues, creating a picture that can be viewed on a computer screen. There are many approaches for obtaining an ultrasound image, the 2 most common in female patients, including transabdominal and transvaginal.

Transabdominal Ultrasound

In a transabdominal ultrasound, a small handheld device called a transducer is moved over the lower abdomen. A gel is applied to the skin to help the sound waves travel more easily. This type of ultrasound provides a good overview of the pelvic organs from the outside of the body.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

In a transvaginal ultrasound, a special transducer (also called a probe) is inserted into the vagina. This allows for a closer and more detailed look at the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Although it may sound uncomfortable, transvaginal ultrasounds are usually not painful and are performed quickly.

Pelvic Ultrasound

A female pelvic ultrasound is a test that uses an ultrasound machine to assess the size, shape, and location of the organs and tissues inside a woman’s pelvis, including the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, and bladder.

Why Are Pelvic Ultrasounds Performed?

Pelvic ultrasounds are commonly performed for various reasons, helping doctors to diagnose and monitor conditions related to the reproductive organs and pelvic area.

One common reason for a pelvic ultrasound is to assess the health of reproductive organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Doctors may recommend a pelvic ultrasound for women experiencing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility issues.

Another important use of pelvic ultrasounds is to detect or monitor pregnancies. They can confirm the presence of an intrauterine pregnancy (a pregnancy inside the uterus), evaluate the development of the fetus, and detect potential complications such as ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus).

Pelvic ultrasounds are also valuable in diagnosing conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the female reproductive organs. By visualizing the pelvic organs, doctors can identify signs of inflammation or infection.

Furthermore, pelvic ultrasounds may be used in conjunction with Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow to the pelvic organs. This is particularly useful in cases of ovarian torsion or to identify abnormalities in blood vessels.

What Can I Expect from a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Preparing for a pelvic ultrasound is simple. Typically, you’ll be asked to drink plenty of water beforehand to ensure a full bladder, which helps improve the quality of the ultrasound images. However, if a transvaginal ultrasound is planned, you may be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure.

During the ultrasound, you’ll lie on an examination table, and a technician will apply a warm gel to your abdomen or insert a small probe into your vagina, depending on the type of ultrasound being done. The technician will then move the probe around to capture images of your pelvic organs.

You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but it’s generally not painful. The procedure is quick and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you can resume your normal activities without any restrictions.

Overall, a pelvic ultrasound is a straightforward and non-invasive procedure that provides valuable information about your reproductive health. It’s often used alongside other diagnostic tests, such as a pelvic exam, to help doctors make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.

Ensuring Your Reproductive Health with Pelvic Ultrasounds

Pelvic ultrasounds are invaluable tools for assessing and maintaining reproductive health. By providing detailed images of the pelvic organs, these non-invasive procedures aid in diagnosing conditions, monitoring pregnancies, and guiding treatment decisions. Whether you’re experiencing pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility issues, a pelvic ultrasound can provide crucial insights into your health.

If you’re seeking expert gynecological care, consider scheduling an appointment with Maiden Lane Medical in New York City. Our experienced team offers comprehensive services to support your reproductive well-being.

Plus, you can visit our Walk-in Gynecology & Women’s Care clinic in Murray Hill, NY, for convenient access to quality care. Take proactive steps towards your health—book your appointment today with Maiden Lane Medical.

Medically Reviewed By

Fernando Mariz, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Specialists